Easy to grow. Make sure the area you plant it into is free from weeds as you won’t be able to weed later.*
Water when dry.
Easy to germinate as long as the soil is warm
Soil temperature should be kept higher than 15°C / 59°F to ensure good germination.In warm areas you can plant it in situ, or in cool areas plant into punnets and then plant outdoors when any risk of frost has passed.
Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 18°C / 64°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Hedgehog gourd is a tender plant.Harvest the fruit when they turn yellow. The flesh is sweeter and more fruity tasting if you sprinkle it with sugar before eating.
Harvest when the skin turns from green/yellow to orange.
These estimates for how long Hedgehog gourd takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 12 days | Min days | Max days (0)
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Was recently rediscovered in New Zealand, where it is now being grown as an export crop.
Originally from Africa.
Kiwano, Jelly Melon, African Horned Cucumber, African Horned Melon, Kumbundu, blowfish fruit
Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. ex Naud.